The TCCE Annual Conference will once again feature a stellar line up of keynote presenters that will provide valuable information and leave attendees with practical tips for their chambers.

Jim Mathis - "The Reinvention Pro"

"What's Kindling Youre Business?"

Jim Mathis is an International Platform Certified Speaker, (IPSC), Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), consultant and best-selling author. He has been writing, speaking, and consulting for over 39 years. He helps chamber and business leaders who want to reinvent their businesses in changing economic climates.

Jim has much to share about chamber marketing strategy. He is president of J&L Mathis Group, Inc., based in Orlando, Florida, and author of the best-selling book: "Reinvention Made Easy: Change Your Strategy, Change Your Results,"

Shari Pash - Strategic Solutions For Growth

"The 2017 Top Ten For Membership Growth"

Shari Pash is changing the culture and way organizations approach membership
recruitment and retention. She provides a customized multi-step recruitment an
d retention program with proven success in net new member growth. Client outcomes continue to excel through the implementation of foundational tools and reports that have

proven success for accountability and growth.

Shari is an active conference presenter for many associations including National Home Builder's Association (NAHB), Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), Institute for Organization Management (IOM), Canadian Chamber of Commerce Executives (CCCE), and many state associations across the country.

Jan Hargrave

"Actions Speak Louder Than Words"

A professional speaker, distinguished lecturer, author of Let Me See Your Body Talk, Freeway of Love, Judge the Jury and Strictly Business Body Language, Jan applies her amazing skills to show you how to take advantage of the vast world of nonverbal communication.

She's been a popular guest of the Montel Williams Show, Fox News, Great Day Houston, The Learning Channel, and E-Entertainment Television. Jan is also a contributing author to: The New York Post, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, In Touch Weekly, Us Weekly, Golf Magazine and The Forensic Examiner. TCCE attendees will gain true insight on the notion that "Actions Speak Louder Than Words".

Gene Kranz

"Failure Is Not An Option"

As the leader of the "Tiger Team" of flight directors who brought the Apollo 13 spaceship safely back to Earth on April 17, 1970, Gene Kranz demonstrated extraordinary courage and heroism. The hit film, Apollo 13, chronicles Kranz's struggle to devise the plan that would safely bring the ship and its crew of three astronauts home after its oxygen system failed.

He continues this legacy and shares leadership and life lessons formed over his 37 year career at NASA and the underlying sentiment that Failure Is Not An Option. TCCE attendees will be overwhelmed with this closing keynote that will inspire you with a message formed in history, tried by the present and will propel you toward a brighter future. You will not want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Texas Association of Business Names New CEO

Jeff Moseley, native Texan, brings extraordinary experience to the role

Following an extensive search process, the Texas Association of Business (TAB) executive committee has appointed Jeff Moseley to lead the organization, which serves as the state chamber of commerce. The TAB advocates for business and chambers of commerce across Texas.

"TAB is thrilled to welcome Jeff," said Gary Gibson, TAB Chairman and CFO of Star Furniture Company. "His wide-ranging work in the private and public sectors, combined with his extensive network of Texas business leaders and legislators will be a great benefit to the businesses and chambers of commerce within Texas. Jeff's resume includes successful stints as the state's head of economic development under Governors George W. Bush and Rick Perry, and as the CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, one of the largest chambers of commerce in Texas. He combines the perfect blend of advocacy skills and appreciation of the work of our Chamber members. I could not be happier with our selection."

Moseley was most recently with Texas Central Partners, where he has served as State Vice President of Government Affairs. Texas Central Partners is a private company developing a new high-speed rail system between Dallas and Houston.

New chamber professionals in Texas are in for a treat. If you are a Chamber CEO or staff person and have been in the chamber industry 18 months or fewer this training is for YOU!TCCEChamberBasicsisaone-day"boot camp" training to familiarize you with the role of the chamber, your role as a staff person and the basic operating areas of the chamber.

The TCCE Annual Conference is the premier education event for chamber professionals in Texas annually. This year will continue the tradition as we convene in Clear Lake (home of NASA and host the Clear Lake Area Chamber) with education sessions that will enhance your professional development and help you implement new strategies for success in your chamber.

Along with great sessions on topics including board management, membership, leadership development, communications, government affairs and more, you will have time for refreshing and connecting with colleagues from around the state. Make plans today to join the excitement and enjoy great education along with:

Space Center Houston tour and conversation with a NASA Astronaut

Early arriver dinner at TopGolf with food, fun, golf, karaoke, games and fellowship

TCCE Annual Excellence Awards Celebration

TCCE Chamber Partners Trade Show and Exhibit Hall where you can connect with companies and products to make your chamber more effective.

2017 is poised to be a phenomenal year for TCCE. To make it the best ever...WE NEED YOU! Please take a moment to renew your membership if you have not done so already.

Still not a member?
Join Today and take advantage of the best professional education and resources available to chamber professionals in the state of Texas.

The Chamber's Role In Tourism

By Page Michel, Brenham/Washington County Chamber & CVB

Every Chamber of Commerce is also a Destination Marketing Organization. You may be in a city that has a Convention & Visitors Bureau that operates separately, or tourism marketing may be handled at City Hall, but if your Chamber is promoting your community and your efforts help to attract visitors/consumers, you also play an important role in your local tourism industry.

The Chamber receives endless inquiries via email, phone and social media and responds to every question about where to eat, shop, hold meetings/events, stay overnight, etc. The Chamber is always "selling" the community and its businesses. A CVB also "sells" the community. The two organizations are in sync.

Let's face it...Annual Meeting, Banquets or whatever you call them in your town can sometimes be boring. This year to spice up the meeting (and have a little fun) our colleagues at the Bastrop Chamber created a video to both reinforce the value of the chamber and express appreciation to their members. The video received a standing ovation from members and will bring a smile to your face. Click on the photo above to check it out.

Five Keys to Effective Use of Social Media for Chambers

By Mike Rollins, IOM, CCE, Austin Chamber of Commerce

What is the Chamber's social media strategy?

That's a question we often hear from our 2,800 members, 87 percent of which are businesses in Central Texas with under 100 employees. To understand the importance of social media, one only has to look at how it has changed political communications today. In fact, The New York Times just announced it will begin printing popular online tweets from reporters at the front of the newspaper.

What's the best way to engage with social media? In our experience, five keys guide our effective use of social media:

Social Media is a tool

It's important to recognize that social media is simply another tool in the communication and marketing tool box. Before it can be effective, a Chamber's value proposition, key messages and primary stakeholders need to be clearly identified. You can then aim the most appropriate social media channel toward your stakeholders and set specific goals and metrics to measure your messaging effectiveness.

TCCE Gears Up Government Affairs--Announcing The Advocacy Resource Center

Government Affairs both in advocacy and providing timely information to members is unquestionably one of the most important roles of the chamber. TCCE wants to help you in this endeavor and equip you with information, updates and practical tips to be more effective in this arena.

The TCCE Advocacy Resource Center is an evolving tool for you to access valuable information. Weekly updates (during the session), "how to" and current issues podcasts, articles and much more will be featured in this section. Be sure to bookmark http://www.tcce.org/advocacy-resource-center.html as another resource in you tool box.